TRANSPORT OF LACTIC-ACID THROUGH REVERSE-OSMOSIS AND NANOFILTRATION MEMBRANES

Model studies were performed with the aim of improving lactic acid sep aration from fermentation broths by reverse osmosis and nanofiltration . A novel model, based on the extended Nernst-Planck. equation, for th e description of mass transfer of lactic acid through these membranes was developed. The model can be used to predict mass transfer of lacti c acid under various pH and pressure conditions of the feed. The gener alized model allows a simple calculation of the separation efficiency not only of lactic acid but of other acids as well.